The Holiday Spirit at SJOM

For the holiday season, a pool of volunteers decided that San Jose Obrero Mission was on the top of their list as a place to share their time and giving. The festivities began Christmas Eve with the day parted into two events bringing forth an appetizing feast for everyone.

A large team of 11 volunteers made up of long-time SJOM supporter, Alma Salazar, many of her family members, and community member, Gabriel, kicked off the start to a magnificent holiday season.

They came bearing an abundance of homemade pies as well as entrees and side dishes donated by Pilsen restaurants, Nuevo Leon and Carnitas Don Rafa Restaurant.

The men enjoyed the buffet, family-style lunch in which the volunteers, staff, and men were able to dine together and share each others’ company.

Lynn Farrell, a regular SJOM volunteer from St. Giles Parish in Oak Park, along with her children and other members of St. Giles came in the evening to provide another delicious meal.

The group also filled the space with energy and holiday cheer using pictures drawn by children from the church as place mats and wall décor, passing out candy canes, and stringing Christmas lights around the room.

The spirit of the holidays continued on Christmas day and New Year’s Eve when Joseph Mata, the Kidd family and the Clarks all helped serve up more feasts for SJOM’s participants.

A large, heart-felt thank you from all of us at SJOM to the many volunteers we had for the holidays!

The men so appreciated the effort, friendly smiles and conversations, and wonderful food you brought to San Jose.